Grapevine

ABSTRACT

A grapevine generally similar to the Perlette unpatented grapevine but which bears grapes which ripen approximately 10 days later than the Perlette and 15 days earlier than the Thompson Seedless unpatented grapevine, and which are somewhat pear shaped and exceptionally crisp.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of grapevinewhich is generally similar to the Perlette but which is distinguishedtherefrom by bearing grapes which ripen approximately 10 days later,which are somewhat pear shaped and exceptionally crisp.

Like the grapes of the grapevines of U.S. Plant Pat. Nos. 1,250 toFujihara and 2,335 to Folmar the grapes of the new variety are of theso-called white table grape class of grapes and are seedless.

ORIGIN AND REPRODUCTION

The new variety of grapevine was discovered in the applicant's vineyardof Perlette grapevines at 86600 Avenue 72, Thermal, Calif., where it wasalso reproduced by the applicant by grafting and by cuttings and aftersuch asexual reproduction was found to maintain its distinctivecharacteristics. It appeared in the Perlette vineyard as a completegrapevine and is believed to have resulted from a sport of the Perlette.It attracted the applicant's attention by ripening approximately 10 dayslater than the Perlettes in the same vineyard. The applicant alsoobserved that its grapes were of excellent quality, good taste, somewhatpear shaped, and exceptionally hard and crisp.

DRAWING

The new variety is illustrated in the accompanying drawing whichconsists of a montage of color photographs in which:

The upper photograph is a side view of a vine of the present varietyimmediately before harvest which has been treated with gibberellin andhad its bunches of grapes trimmed to shape all in accordance with knowncultural practices for table grapes.

The lower left photograph shows several grapes characteristic of thepresent variety.

The lower right photograph is a somewhat enlarged view of a single grapeof the present variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following is a detailed description of the pomologicalcharacteristics of the subject variety with color terminology inaccordance with the Nickerson Color Fan, where given by combinednumeral-letter designation. Where dimensions, sizes, colors and othercharacteristics are given, it is to be understood that suchcharacteristics are approximations of averages as they appear under theecological conditions prevailing in the applicant's designated vineyardnear Thermal, Calif.

Vine:

Size.--Medium to large.

Growth.--Medium.

Productivity.--Medium, regular.

Canes.--Medium. Joints: More closely spaced than usual. Average spacing.7.5 to 12.7 cm. Tendrils: Slender, medium-long. Multiple forked. Color:Mature like Perlette, tan to light brown.

Foliage:

Leaves.--Many. Petiolar sinus wide V-shape. Three lobe shallow sinus --medium size 17.8 cm.

Flowers:

Number.--Abundant.

Length of blooming season.--April 5 to April 10.

Blossom color.--Same as Perlette. Light yellow. Chartreuse anthers. Nopetals.

Shape and size of cluster.--Untrimmed bunches, wide, long and tapering.Usually shaped by trimming.

Average length of cluster stem (Peduncle).--3.8 cm.-5 cm.

Reproduction organs.--Stamens: Medium. Filaments: Medium. Pollen:Abundant, very high like Perlette.

Grapes:

Maturity.--Approximate dates: 9 or 11 days later than Perlette, June13-16, 12 to 17 days earlier than Thompson Seedless. With what othervarieties: Between Perlette and Thompson Seedless.

Size of berry.--Medium.

Diameter.--Natural 0.65 cm.-1.6 cm. Treated with Gibberellin and Girdled1.3 cm.-2.0 cm.

Length.--Natural 0.65 cm.-2.5 cm. Treated with Gibberellin and Girdled1.9 cm.-3.25 cm.

Shape.--Longer than Perlette. Frequently pear shaped.

Average number of clusters to vine.--40 natural usually thinned to 20 or25.

Average number of berries to cluster.--300-400 natural. 125-150 afterthinning.

Number of seeds to berry.--None.

Productivity.--Heavy.

Skin.--Tight.

Color.--Brilliant yellow green 2.5 GY, to Brilliant greenish yellow 7.5Y 9/8.

ripening.--Begins: Approximately May 17. Peak: June 1. End: Fullyripened approximately June 15.

Clusters ripen.--Unevenly.

Texture.--Hard and very crisp.

Flavor.--Excellent -- neutral to slightly vinous.

Aroma.--None.

Eating quality.--Palatability excellent.

Juice quality.--Minor.

Shipping quality.--Good. Grapes remain hard and crisp. Minor shattering.Less than Thompson Seedless.

Storing quality.--Holds well for 30 days at 40° F. with fruit and stemswell preserved.

Uses.--Fresh table. Not tested for raisins or wine.

Most unusual characteristics: Its production of unusual pear shapedseedless grapes that remain very firm and crisp for several daysfollowing harvest.

Normal variations can be expected under environmental conditionsdifferent from those prevailing at Thermal, Calif.

Having described the grapevine of my new variety, I claim:
 1. A new anddistinct variety of grapevine characterized by its similarity to thePerlette grapevine, which it most nearly resembles, but distinguishedtherefrom by bearing grapes which ripen approximately 10 days later, areelongated and somewhat pear shaped, and are harder and crisper than thegrapes of either the Perlette or the Thompson Seedless.